The hiring and networking event is open to all military – active, retired, reservists -- as well as their spouses and significant others. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in the hiring event that conducts job matching and potential interviews with hiring companies from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the day of the event.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Rio Salado College (RSC) is kicking off its 40th anniversary this week with an invitation to the communities it serves to share stories and photos for inclusion in its year-long celebration.

Participants can share their memories via email to RSCmemories@riosalado.edu or social media using the hashtag #RioSaladoCollege40th. The college will share these memories on its anniversary web site, social media platforms and anniversary celebrations throughout 2018.

“This year of celebration will highlight Rio’s 40 years of serving the community and recognize the limitless accomplishments of our students, faculty, and staff,” said Rio Salado President Chris Bustamante.

In 1978, the Maricopa County Community Colleges challenged the limits of tradition and created Rio Salado College, a college without walls to serve non-traditional students who would not otherwise have access to a college education. In the early years, Rio Salado served students close to where they lived; in neighborhood schools, churches, and storefronts across Maricopa County. Today, the college serves students at multiple locations in communities across the Valley.

The college also led the way in creating customized educational models for adult basic education students, employees in the workplace, high school students, active military, veterans, and incarcerated individuals. Rio has become the largest educational provider in Arizona in many of these sectors.

With the arrival of the Internet, it was a natural evolution for RSC to begin offering classes online as early as 1996, and to emerge as a national leader of online learning and today serves students across Arizona and the nation. The college also serves the community through programming at KJZZ, K-BACH, Sun Sounds of Arizona and SPOT 127. Special interest classes also inform senior citizens at Rio’s Lifelong Learning Center in Surprise.

Over the past four decades, Rio Salado has served more than 665,000 students, with more than 270,000 taking classes online, and has awarded nearly 100,500 degrees and certificates.

“Our innovative and student-centric culture drives Rio Salado to continually evolve and improve our delivery models and provide a high-quality educational experience for all of our students,” said Bustamante.

“I hope that you will share your experiences, stories, and photos with us as we honor our past and plan for the future.”

Monday, January 29, 2018

Do you have a passion for justice? With Rio Salado’s Administration of Justice Studies (AJS) program, you can earn the credentials you'll need to enter a variety of careers in the criminal justice field:

Private detectives and investigators

Judicial law and court clerks

Legal support workers

Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the criminal justice field is projected to grow, which is why Rio Salado created its AJS program.

“Rio Salado’s AJS program is designed with industry expertise to address specific employment needs within the industry,” said Rio Salado Public Safety and Paralegal Faculty Chair Angela Kwan, who played a key role in the development of this program.

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

A new web-based registry launched by Credential Engine in December gives students, educators and employers the means to search the competencies and skills that go into a specific credential, certificate, diploma or degree at a particular school.

The registry includes approximately 1,500 credentials from Rio Salado and 170 other colleges, universities and educational institutions. Learn more in this University Business Magazine story by Matt Zalaznick.

“It’s going to be more about looking at industry sectors and creating credentials, certificates and degree programs that are clear pathways to work,” said Rio Salado’s president, Chris Bustamante who is quoted in this story.

Monday, January 22, 2018

This azcentral report by Education Reporter Ricardo Cano addresses one of the most pressing issues-- a looming teacher shortage.

Arizona needs you—to teach!

Join Rio Salado's Teacher Education team for a free orientation session in-person or online to learn about the educational pathways, scholarships, teacher-in-residence programs and employment opportunities available to help you succeed.

Rio Salado College offers Arizona Department of Education approved Educator Preparation programs that provide convenient and cost-effective ways for undergraduate students and working individuals with a bachelor’s degree to transition into teaching.

How to Volunteer:Maricopa Community Colleges employees are encouraged to register through the Maricopa Learns through Service HCM portal. For questions, please contact Dee Dee Tapson at 480-731-8299 or via email at creative.pathways@domail.maricopa.edu.

Check out this HuffPost feature by contributing writer Patrick A. Howell about Rio Salado PLUS Facilitator and Phoenix College art history adjunct faculty instructor Jenita Landrum, which provides some insights into her work as an artist and curator of Studio J in Phoenix.

"Art means to me living a true creative life that is never knowing, but it is also searching for what feels right in my creation, and to define what is beautiful to look at," said Landrum.

Landrum, who has been a professional artist for 38 years, has focused much of her work on themes of “invisibleness,” and celebrating the essence of being a black woman.

"As a Black Women that entered college in 1980’s, doing research it was hard to find positive images that looked like me and didn’t objectify our bodies, they were somewhat invisible or not easy accessible," said Landrum. "Part of my drive is to leave a body of work that celebrates and focus on what makes black women resilient, powerful and to lift black artist to a higher prominence."

This is the time of year when many Rio Salado students are going back to school-- and receiving financial aid. If you qualified for financial aid, you need to do one very important thing to keep it -- you must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.

This video will help you understand what that means-- and the connection to pancakes.

This eCampus News feature addresses how federal higher education policies need to be revisited given that they were designed when a typical college student attended a four-year college directly after high school—and presents a new framework proposed by Higher Learning Advocates that emphasizes "high-quality outcomes, focusing on today’s students and creating a more affordable and responsive system of education and training beyond high school.”

Included are remarks by Rio Salado President Chris Bustamante, who also serves as a Higher Learning Advocates board member.

“Quality, outcomes and the needs of today’s students should guide federal policy rather than historical precedent and institutional convenience,” said Bustamante. “Built on those three principles, new policy solutions can help institutions and systems support and educate a broader range of students and embrace technological innovation.”

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 75-percent of college students are either working, part-time students, parents with dependent children or students with some other non-traditional status.

Friday, January 12, 2018

This feature by Ahwatukee Foothills News contributor Coty Dolores Miranda, provides wonderful insights into how Sun Sounds of Arizona and its dedicated staff and volunteers are helping Arizonans living with disabilities stay informed through print.

Pictured above is Sun Sounds Director Andrea Pasquale who said, “Some people think the service is only for the blind, but we’re there for anyone who can’t read print readily. It could be dyslexia, a traumatic brain injury where they can’t concentrate on the printed word, or arthritis or a quadriplegic who can’t physically hold a newspaper or magazine.”

Sun Sounds of Arizona is a community service of Rio Salado College, providing audio access information to people who cannot read print because of a restricting disability. Sun Sounds of Arizona makes creative use of technology and talent to ensure that every disabled person has the opportunity to access the current and local information necessary to a self-directed, productive life. Effectively this will help establish that the inability to read print will no longer be a disabling condition. Sun Sounds of Arizona will continue to be a leader in the field of information access services and a willing partner to organizations with like goals. Sun Sounds of Arizona is innovative, committed to quality and to customer satisfaction. Learn more at sunsounds.org/

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

We remove the barriers to education! At Rio Salado College you can count on affordable tuition, 600+ online classes, flexible Monday starts, seamless university transfers, student support services from caring staff--and more!

Whether you’re just getting started, looking to transfer to a four-year university or learning new skills, our advisors can help you plan toward your goals.

Join Rio Salado's Financial Aid team to learn about U.S. Department of Education Federal Work Study opportunities and benefits-- today at the Tempe headquarters.

Staff will be available at an information booth near the front lobby on the first floor of the Tower at Rio until 3 p.m. to share insights about current openings, the application process and some of the financial benefits that are available to students. Pictured here is Rio Salado Financial Aid specialist Maribel Carlos who is ready to help you now.Visit this job page to view current FWS and other part-time openings: http://www.riosalado.edu/about/news-resources/employment/Pages/default.aspx

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Congratulations to the Rio Salado Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting students pictured here celebrating their graduation at a pinning ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017.

The pinning ceremony is a custom in the medical and dental professions. It marks the successful culmination of a program of study and is acknowledged by society as a symbol of distinction and of a special humanitarian profession. The pin design is unique for each college and allows graduates to proudly display both their school and their chosen profession.

Rio Salado students raised funds throughout the year for this pinning ceremony and on behalf of a local charity, which is part of their community service graduation requirements. The students chose the Jo C. Bennett Student Emergency Fund as their beneficiary and donated $150. The fund helps students who face immediate financial challenges, which could derail them in their pursuit of a college education.

Here’s to the Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting Classes of 2017!

Interested in a dental career? Visit this web page to learn about Rio Salado's Dental programs.

Rio Salado and the Maricopa Community Colleges encourage students, faculty and staff to volunteer their time.

Maricopa Community Colleges employees are encouraged to register through the Maricopa Learns through Service HCM portal. For questions, please contact Dee Dee Tapson at 480-731-8299 or via email at creative.pathways@domail.maricopa.edu.

Need a job to help pay for college? Looking for workforce experience? Join Rio Salado's Financial Aid team to learn about Federal Work Study (FWS) opportunities and benefits, Jan. 10, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Tempe headquarters.

Staff will be available to share insights about current openings, the application process and some of the financial benefits that are available to students who choose to take on a FWS position. Look for their information booth near the front lobby on the first floor of the Tower at Rio.

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Transitioning out of military life? Getting ready to start your career in higher learning?

Check out these valuable tips from U.S. News and World Report-- and then call on a Rio Salado Veterans Services member to learn about the programs and support services available to you from the Maricopa Community Colleges.

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

The need for preK-12 teachers is greater than ever, especially in Arizona. Ready to answer the call? Join Rio Salado's Teacher Education team for a free orientation session in-person or online to learn how to become a super teacher-- and what kind of benefits are available to you!

Rio Salado College offers Arizona Department of Education approved Educator Preparation programs that provide convenient and cost-effective ways for undergraduate students and working individuals with a bachelor’s degree to transition into teaching.

Undergraduate Bachelor's Degree Pathway

This program allows students to complete 90+ credits at the community college level and then transfer to Northcentral University for the remaining courses toward earning a bachelor's of education degree.

Post-Baccalaureate Programs

Designed for individuals who have a bachelor's degree or higher (in any area) from an accredited university and would like to complete an educator preparation program that leads to certification.

Teacher-In-Residence Programs

This program provides a convenient and cost-effective way for students and working professionals with a bachelor’s degree to transition into and launch a teaching career—with paid employment opportunities in the classroom

Attend one of these sessions to learn about the educational pathways, scholarships, teacher-in-residence programs and employment opportunities available to you as an Arizona teacher.

Post-Baccalaureate In-Person Orientation Sessions

January 8

February 5

March 12

April 24

Post-Baccalaureate Virtual Orientation Sessions

January 16

February 20

April 2

These events will take place 6-8 p.m. In-person orientation sessions will take place at the Rio Salado College Conference Center at 2323 West 14th Street, Tempe, Arizona 85281. A link to join the meeting will be sent with the registration confirmation.

TIR In-Person Orientation Sessions

January 10

January 31

April 25

TIR Virtual Orientation Sessions

January 3

January 24

March 28

April 11

These events will take place 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. In-person orientation sessions will take place at the Rio Salado College Conference Center at 2323 West 14th Street, Tempe, Arizona 85281. A link to join the meeting will be sent with the registration confirmation.

No need to wait. Get started today! For more information visit www.riosalado.edu/teachers or contact a Rio Salado College Academic Advisor at (480) 517-8580.

Poder is a 5-week entrepreneurship program offered at no cost to Maricopa Community College students by Arizona State University, supported by grant funding from the Cisco corporate advised fund at Silicon Valley Community Foundation.

In this program, students will learn to apply entrepreneurship skills to solve community issues, how technology can maximize their positive impact on the world and how to pitch their business idea.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District.

The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.